Translation: Chechnya Leader Says Don’t Blame Us, Look To America

Business Insider carries the above Instagram statement from Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Like the uncle of the accused Tsarnaev brothers, he seems to be saying, “Don’t blame Chechnya.” Unlike the uncle, he also points the finger at America. The text above, translated from Russian:

Tragic events have occurred in Boston. As a result of a terrorist act, people perished. Earlier, we expressed our condolences to the city’s residents and the American people. Today, according to the media, a certain Tsarnaev was killed during an attempted arrest. If they had arrested him and investigated, they logically would have clarified all the circumstances and the degree of his guilt. Apparently, the special forces needed a result at any price, to calm down society. Any attempts to claim a connection between Chechnya and the Tsarnaevs, if they are guilty, are in vain. They grew up in the USA, their views and convictions were formed there. The roots should be looked for in America. The whole world should fight against terrorism. We know that better than anybody. We wish recovery to all the victims and share the groef of Americans.

Carey Goldberg was a Moscow correspondent for the Los Angeles Times during the collapse of the Soviet Union. She currently writes for WBUR’s Commonhealth.